After five decades of service, Qantas will retire the last Boeing 747 from their fleet this month with three one-hour ‘Farewell Jumbo Joy Flights.’ The flights will depart from Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane giving fans of the storied airliner one last chance to fly on ‘The Queen of the Skies.’
Qantas announced on Monday their plans to give the last Boeing 747 in their fleet a farewell fit for a queen with three one-hour ‘Farewell Jumbo Joy Flights’ departing from Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane. Tickets for the final 747-400 flights will be available for purchase from mid-day on Wednesday July 8, 2020. The first joy flight will operate on Monday July 13th from Sydney, the second on Wednesday July 15th from Brisbane, and the third from Canberra on Friday July 17th, 2020. Fares for the special flights are $400 for an Economy Class ticket, with a limited number of Business Class tickets available for $747 (including extras). In today’s announcement, Qantas’ 747 Fleet Captain, Owen Weaver said,
“The 747 has been a magnificent aircraft and it’s fitting that we celebrate the end of five decades of history-making moments for the national carrier and aviation in Australia. Since the first 747 joined the Qantas fleet in 1971, these aircraft have operated numerous rescue flights to bring Australians home during times of crisis and provided a safe passage for many travellers taking their first international flight to or from Australia. These three flights will offer the final opportunity to fly on the Qantas 747 before it leaves, with some of our frequent flyers and aviation enthusiasts as fond of the aircraft as we are, having spent thousands of hours onboard over the years. There is an enormous amount of nostalgia and affection associated with our 747 and for those who miss out on a seat on the flight, they will at least be able to catch a glimpse of the aircraft as it takes to Australian skies for the last time.”
The Farewell Jumbo Joy Flights will operate on a cost-recovery basis with all profits donated to the HARS Aviation Museum at Albion Park in Wollongong and the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach. Each of these museums have a static Qantas 747 on display and the donated profits will be earmarked to preserve and promote the 747’s legacy for future generations. The Final 747-400 flight will depart Sydney at around 2:00 PM on July 22, 2020 as Qantas QF7474, following a hangar farewell event for Qantas employees.
Source: Qantas